Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition

CHAPTER 6 - INTO ACTION

than we are using it constantly. It works, if we have
the proper attitude and work at it. It would be easy
to be vague about this matter. Yet, we believe we can
make some definite and valuable suggestions.

When we retire at night, we constructively review
our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or
afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kept some-
thing to ourselves which should be discussed with
another person at once? Were we kind and loving
toward all? What could we have done better? Were
we thinking of ourselves most of the time? Or were
we thinking of what we could do for others, of
what we could pack into the stream of life? But we
must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or
morbid reflection, for that would diminish our useful-
ness to others. After making our review we ask God's
forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures
should be taken.

On awakening let us think about the twenty-four
hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Be­-
fore we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking,
especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity,
dishonest or self-seeking motives. Under these condi-
tions we can employ our mental faculties with as-
surance, for after all God gave us brains to use. Our
thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane
when our thinking is cleared of wrong motives.

In thinking about our day we may face indecision.
We may not be able to determine which course to
take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive
thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We
don't struggle. We are often surprised how the right
answers come after we have tried this for a while